Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 3: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed today across Jammu and Kashmir by various institutions, NGOs and Associations of PwDs.
Former Minister and BJP vice-president, Sham Lal Sharma expressed the unwavering commitment of the BJP Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to provide support to all segments of society, with a special emphasis on improving the conditions of the poor, needy, and disabled individuals. He was speaking at an event organized as part of ‘World Disabled Day’ by the All Jammu and Kashmir Disabled Welfare Trust in Akhnoor, under the chairmanship of Trust Chairman Sushil Sharma. The Trust Chairman highlighted the challenges faced by differently-abled people during the program and expressed resentment against the Government for not giving due attention to their genuine demands which are lying pending.
Saksham J&K in collaboration with GMC Kathua organized a function in the College premises to observe the Day. The function commenced with the lamp lighting ceremony by Swami Vishawnathan (Prabhari, Saksham North India), Dr Surinder Atri (Principal, GMC Kathua) and O D Atri (District president, Saksham Kathua). On the occasion, more than 300 divyangs participated and fare concession certificates were allotted to more than 261 divyangs persons with the joint efforts of GMC Kathua and Saksham Kathua.
To mark the occasion, J&K Handicapped Association (JKHA) staged a protest at Srinagar alleging that their pension is lying pending from the last several months due to which they are facing immense hardships. They sought the intervention of the authorities so that the same is released without any further delay. Apart from this, the JKHA demanded a special recruitment drive for qualified disabled persons as well as an increase in the monthly pension from Rs 1000 to Rs 5000. The disabled individuals also called for a promotion and transfer policy, alongside health covers, free medical aid treatment, and tax-free status for those falling under the disabled category.
Samagra Shiksha under the aegis of School Education Department J&K organized very impressive function at Teachers’ Bhawan. Principal Secretary School Education Department, Alok Kumar was the chief guest on the occasion and Sheetal Nanda Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department was a special invitee. The specially abled students performed with their best talents on the stage including folk dances, folk music, contemporary dance, singing and mimes. Speaking on the occasion, Alok Kumar said that skill development courses shall be made available for the specially abled students, so that they may earn their livelihood.
Nehru Adarsh Youth Club (NAYC) organized a programme at Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Training Institute, Jinder Mehlu, Bishnah, Jammu to observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Sham Lal Targotra (Principal, ITI) was the chief guest and Vijay Kumar (president, NAYC) was the guest of honor. Speaking on the occasion, Targotra said that UT Government should be taking more steps to ease out the difficulties faced by specially abled persons while Kumar Vijay stressed to fulfill the basic needs of the PwDs. He also urged Sheetal Nanda (Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, J&K) to release pension of PwDs in the UT which is pending since February 2023.
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